Alberta Human Rights Information Service December 4, 2012

Celebrate and Protect Human Rights

Human Rights Day is December 10, 2012: My Voice Counts

December 10, 2012 marks the 64thanniversary of the United Nations' signing of theUniversal Declaration of Human Rightsin 1948. For the first time in history, the Declaration set out fundamental human rights to be universally protected and it provided a common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations.

The United Nations (UN) 2012 theme for Human Rights Day,My Voice Counts,encourages inclusion and recognizes the right for all citizens to participate in public life. The campaign pays tribute to the need for all voices to be heard and for all citizens to be included in the development of the public policies and business decisions that affect them.

OnHuman Rights Day, we celebrate our accomplishments and re-commit to the work still to be done to ensure that every person's rights are fully protected. Albertans are encouraged to reflect on our individual roles in protecting and promoting human rights and join communities across the globe in celebrating the importance of human rights. This day is an opportunity to think about how all citizens can be better included within their communities and have their voices heard.

Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre(November 29, 2012)Geeta Bharadia, QC, Acting Chief of the Commission and Tribunals, Alberta Human Rights Commission, spoke at the annual Human Rights Day event at theAlberta Civil Liberties Research Centreat theUniversity of Calgary. Participants visited the information booth event hosted by the Commission to learn more about human rights and the programs and services offered by the Commission.

Calgary Centre for Culture, Equity and Diversity(December 6, 2012)Blair Mason, Chief of the Commission and Tribunals, Alberta Human Rights Commission, will bring greetings to guests attending Get a Handle on Hate: Join the Conversation at the Calgary Centre for Culture, Equity and Diversity.

The Gall Conference (December 10, 2012)"In memory of the late Gerald L. Gall, one of the founding fathers of the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, the Gall Conference will provide a forum for critical conversation on the state of human rights in Alberta. Marking the 40th anniversary of theAlberta Bill of Rights and the Individual's Rights Protection Act (IRPA), as well as the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, this conference will explore the current realities of human rights, existing barriers and opportunities, possible solutions and recommendations for improvement in the province." (From the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights website.)

The Commission's Senior Legal Counsel, Audrey Dean, is participating in a panel discussion at theconference. The panel discussion,The State of Women in Alberta,will highlight the most critical issues facing the rights of women in Alberta. You canread moreabout all of the conference sessions.

Human Rights Award Gala (December 10, 2012)"The Human Rights Awards, an annual event that's part of our Human Rights City Edmonton initiative, celebrates the individuals, groups and organizations working hard in Edmonton to promote a community where all are included and live in dignity. Taking place on December 10th, the evening of International Human Rights Day, we're excited to present Premier Alison Redford as keynote speaker ."(From the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights website.)

City of Calgary(December 10, 2012)Geeta Bharadia, QC, Full-time Member of the Commission/Acting Chief of the Commission and Tribunals, Alberta Human Rights Commission, will bring greetings to guests attending theHuman Rights Day eventhosted by theCity of Calgary. Participantscan visit the information booth hosted by the Commission to learn more about human rights and the programs and services offered by the Commission.

Read more about these events as well as other events held throughout Alberta to celebrateHuman Rights Day.